Limerick

Ireland

Limerick Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin and round three-pin plugs are in use.

Language

English is the principal language, although a minority of people speak Irish (Gaelic).

Travel Health

There are no special health requirements for visitors to
Ireland. Health insurance is advisable unless you are from the UK
or other EU countries, most of which have reciprocal agreements
with Ireland. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be
obtained before departing for travel to Ireland. Medical facilities
are good and medicines are widely available; payment for treatment
is usually required in cash. If you require specific medication, it
is always advised that you bring it with you on your travels: make
sure you transport all medications in their original containers,
clearly labeled; and that you carry a signed, dated letter from
your doctor describing all medical conditions and listing all
prescribed medications, including generic names.

Tipping

A 10 percent tip will be welcomed in restaurants and cafes, and
occasionally a service charge will be added to the bill. Tipping is
not usual in bars and pubs, or for other services.

Safety Information

Most visitors to Ireland enjoy a fairly high level of personal
safety. Ireland has a very low level of violent crime, but there is
a high incidence of petty theft in tourist areas and foreigners are
targeted by pick-pockets. Travellers should take sensible
precautions against petty theft, including duplicating important
documents, carrying valuables in separate bags/pockets, and leaving
valuables in hotel safes whenever possible. Terrorism is no more a
threat in Ireland than in other Western countries and safety in the
country has improved significantly with peace in Northern Ireland.
Those travelling into Northern Ireland should note that the safety
alerts for that country are completely seperate and can be found in
the United Kingdom
travel guide.

Local Customs

Smoking in pubs, cafes and restaurants is illegal. Visitors
should refrain from forcing discussions of political and religious
differences, and show respect if the topics are brought up.

Business

The Irish are very sociable and although the usual elements of
business etiquette apply (punctuality, formal wear, a courteous
manner), expect good conversation and a rather relaxed air.
Handshakes are customary on introduction, and take the lead from
the host with regards to using first names or surnames. Business
hours are usually from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, with a lunch
break from 1pm to 2pm.

Communications

The international access code for Ireland is +353. City/area
codes are in use, e.g. 1 for Dublin. When making outgoing calls,
dial 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
United Kingdom). Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi
are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high,
purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.

Duty Free

Travellers over 17 years old arriving from non-EU countries do
not have to pay duty on most products. Regulations allow 200
cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250g tobacco; one litre of
spirits with more than 22% alcohol volume, two litres of dessert
wine, port of sherry with a maximum 22% alcohol content; and four
litres of wine or 16 litres of beer. Other duty free products
include perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods
for personal consumption to the value of €175 per adult or
€90 for children under 15 years.

All of these products are allowed on a fractional basis, so a
proportional mix of each category is permitted. Prohibited items
include meat and dairy products or raw vegetables.

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